Jesus was a controversial figure in His day…during His earthly ministry. He spent time around those whom the religious community considered the scum of the earth (Luke 5:29-32). He reached out to them in love without expecting them to “clean up” before He would have anything to do with them. This is where we get the idea for the old hymn, “Just as I am.”

I’m glad that we don’t have to get our act together before we come to Jesus. His love and grace calls to us to come and experience His healing touch. Contrary to some post-modern thinking, however, we don’t come to Jesus and stay the same. It isn’t an “addition” of Jesus to our lifestyle. He doesn’t accommodate His truth to our situation. It is a transformation that takes place (2 Corinthians 5:17). Actually, it would be a cruel thing for Christ to accept us and then leave us as we are…in our sins.

I am a new creation…and I’m becoming a new creation. It is an event (salvation) and it is a process (sanctification). Thank God it is real!

Check out the video below “Come as You Are” by Northland Church. Celebrate your new life as you watch. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, go here to find out more.